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Ex-pro to help youngsters to get in to football

A FORMER professional footballer is launching a project in High Wycombe to help youngsters get into the sport and into employment.

Jean Black kicks off the Life at the Edge programme on The Rye later this month - which will provide football coaching and training tips to potential coaches aged between 16 and 24.

Mr Black, who lives in Chesham and is studying for his UEFA ‘A’ Licence, played all over Europe and was on the books at Watford before injuries took their toll.

The Cameroonian said he is a believer in the “empowerment of youngsters” and hopes the course will not only help young people with their footballing abilities but also provide them with essential life skills.

He said: “I was called in after a series of anti-social behaviour incidents in Chesham - I have also done some work in Wycombe and with the district council.

“This is an open project for everyone - people with disabilities, teenagers, school drop-outs etc – where we will provide training sessions to help them hopefully gain employment opportunities within football and sport.

“I’m passionate about helping youngsters and giving them a chance, which I hope and believe this course will do.”

Mr Black said he would be calling on a host of professional footballers and top coaches to assist with the course – which gets under way on March 31 at 6.30pm.